A 'Cyst' in My Breast? Do Breast Cysts Really Need to Be Removed?

How is the wisdom of the Donguibogam interpreted in modern medicine? The concepts of liver qi stagnation and phlegm-dampness can be explained in today's scientific language as hormonal imbalance and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Hormones in our body regulate all physiological functions like a quiet conductor, and mammary gland tissue in particular is heavily influenced by the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. If estrogen is relatively excessive or its balance with progesterone is disrupted, mammary gland tissue undergoes excessive proliferation or fibrosis, making it easier for cysts or lumps to form. Even more important is the fact that stress is a primary culprit behind this disrupted hormonal balance. When we experience stress, the body secretes stress hormones such as cortisol, which can alter sex hormone production and induce estrogen dominance. What the Donguibogam describes as liver qi stagnation can be explained in modern terms as a disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the excessive hyperactivity of the sympathetic nerve activated during stress. When the sympathetic nerve becomes overly active, blood vessels constrict and blood circulation is hindered, making it difficult to clear waste from tissues and potentially affecting cellular function. When this environment persists, fluid retention occurs around the mammary gland tissue in the breast, increasing the likelihood that small pockets of fluid, namely cysts, will form. Furthermore, phlegm-dampness from the Donguibogam can be interpreted in modern terms not just as simple fluid retention, but as chronic inflammation or the accumulation of metabolic waste. Studies also show that diets centered on refined carbohydrates or processed foods, along with exposure to endocrine disruptors, can heighten inflammatory responses in our bodies, disrupt hormonal balance, and contribute to the development of breast cysts. Most breast cysts are benign and do not pose major problems, but it is essential above all to check for changes in size or progression to other patterns through regular checkups, and to restore the body's fundamental balance through the lifestyle improvements mentioned earlier. Understanding and caring for your body is the most effective prevention and the beginning of healing.